On December 16th, 2022, the world will be introduced to Avatar: The Way of Water, which is shaping up to be the cinematic event of the year. After the way that the original Avatar blew viewers' minds with its incredible graphics and visuals, anything less would be a sheer disappointment.
There are many viewers who yearn for the chance to experience Avatar again the way that they did at the start. Without knowing what breathtaking effects they would be introduced to next, they could re-experience that sense of wonder. Yet Avatar isn't the only movie that fans want to delete from their memory — for good reasons or bad.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
There are many subtle clues about the twist in The Sixth Sense, but audiences were still unable to predict that Malcolm had been dead all along. Some viewers want to rewatch the movie just to experience the sensation of that profound shock. "I was told the twist as we entered the theater. Never seen it while not knowing," says Reddit user jackfaire.
The Sixth Sense is a stellar film even without the twist, but there is something special about going into it knowing nothing. It's no wonder that movie lovers yearn to experience that, especially because those watching today for the first time already know what will happen, so the surprise is ruined.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
While the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie holds up, there are fans who would love to purge the Michael Bay version from their minds. "The Bay reboot looked bad, had terrible writing, and the action was generic CG cutscene stuff. With the budget, there was so much potential," says Redditor CyanideSmoker.
Compared to the best episodes of the original TMNT show, the movie lacked the personality that the Turtles need. It may have strong action sequences, but it doesn't spend enough time trying to adapt the comics and other pieces that make the ninjas great. It's no wonder fans want to forget it.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
A movie that genuinely helps fans appreciate life, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a touching story with a star-studded cast. Focusing on a deep romance, there is nothing in the film that feels contrived. Fans only want to forget the movie so they can see it anew.
"I could forget how much I loved it then fall in love with it again," says Redditor BrandTheBroken. Its non-linear narrative truly displays the ups and downs of love and romance, leaving viewers desperate for things to work out. Anyone wanting to forget it is likely looking to re-experience an astonishng film.
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
The film that started it all, Star Wars: A New Hope shocked the world with a thrilling narrative of space in crisis. Those who grew up watching the series can quote its dialogue verbatim, so it comes as no surprise that many would love to forget A New Hope just so they can watch it all over again.
"I'd like to delete Star Wars and re-watch it, but only if I can go back to 1977 and watch it in theatres. Massive hype, lines around the block, so much anticipation, but before it became a cultural juggernaut," says Reddit user MikeArrow. Considering how fantastic an experience that must have been, as the audience was shocked at every twist, turn, and word that came from Darth Vader's mouth, it would be incredible.
Children Of Men (2006)
A movie guaranteed to trigger an existential crisis, Children of Men shocked the world with its compelling dystopian story. "The whole movie is absolutely thrilling but when the big reveal happens," says Reddit user DJ_Molten_Lava, "My jaw fell open, I gasped, I leaned so far forward in my seat I almost fell off the chair."
The reveal is genuinely surprising and helps turn the entire world on its head. Having the chance to experience that again would be as brilliant for fans as it was for Theo.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-present)
The MCU is a masterclass in crafting a single coordinated narrative across multiple films, and many fans would love to experience it all over again. "I was blown away watching all the films in order for the first time a few years ago. The culmination of the first 3 phases ending with Infinity War and Endgame was just brilliant," says Reddit user DodgerBlueRobert1.
Without knowing where the films would take each character, fans could enjoy seeing Tony without thinking of his tragic end. They could even re-experience the revelation that Bucky Barnes was the Winter Soldier, that Peter Parker would fight Captain America, and that Thanos would actually snap. It would be incredible.
The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)
While there are some harsh realities of rewatching Lord of the Rings, fans of the series are more than willing to forget everything they know about Return of the King just to watch it again. After all, it is a perfect conclusion for the series and leaves fans desperate for more.
"Loved every second of it, cried like a baby, ugh felt like a warm hug. Now I know it so well it’s still meaningful, but not as emotional when I watch," says Redditor vilebutvast. Having that surprise and emotion back can make the movie even more impactful, so it's no wonder they want to experience it again.
Dumb And Dumber (1994)
It isn't easy for a comedy to stay interesting upon multiple viewings. Yet, as one of the funniest slapstick movies ever made, Dumb and Dumber manages it. Even so, fans would love to experience it with fresh eyes, so that they can see just how funny it is on first viewing.
"I was allowed to see this movie in theaters when I was a child and to this day was still the most I have ever laughed in a theater," says Redditor Many-Outside-7594. "Would love to go into it again with no knowledge as I could perform the entire thing from memory at this point." The characters are so likable and the humor is so classic — like a tongue getting stuck to a telephone pole — that it's hard not to laugh even with memory.
The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy (2015-2019)
While the sequel trilogy featured one of the biggest new villains in Star Wars, it still isn't worth it for some fans. There are many viewers who would love to wipe the entire sequel trilogy out of their heads, just so they can rest assured knowing that Palpatine somehow did not return.
There are even fans worried that they might watch the movie even if the memory removal worked. "Beforehand set myself a daily reminder that, NO, I shouldn't watch them. And if I'm tempted, that, NO, they don't get better," says Reddit user islandhopper39. The fact that viewers are planning ways to keep from rewatching the sequel trilogy certainly shows how serious the situation is.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
An absurd movie with a plot that isn't even relevant to the movie, The Big Lebowski is endlessly entertaining, and it's why fans would love to forget it. "I've seen Big Lebowski at least 500 times. If I deleted it, that's another 1000 hours of entertainment," says Redditor d00ns.
The comedy is incredible, and the characterization is impeccable. With the ability to completely forget the movie, fans would happily watch it for hours unending as the Jeffrey Lebowskis desperately try to work through hostage situations.